How to Use a Multimeter – Digital and Analog Multimeter

Learn How to Use Multimeter – How to Use Digital & Analog Multimeter – Use multimeter to check Voltage, Continuity, Test Outlet, Voltage of Live Wires, Ohms, Check Electronic Components.

Learn How to Use Multimeter – How to Use Digital & Analog Multimeter to check Voltage, Continuity, Test Outlet, Voltage of Live Wires, Ohms, Check Electronic Components like Diode, Capacitor, Resistor (Resistance), Transistor, Battery, Transformer etc.

Types of Multimeter – Digital & Analog

Multimeters are of two types Analog and Digital MultimeterThe only difference is that a digital Multimeter has a digital display of all the readings. An analog Multimeter has a needle-type pointer that moves to a reading while testing any device or electronic component.

Features of a Multimeter

Most Multimeters, often spelt as Multi Meter, will have following:

  1. Function and Range Switch: This switch is used to select the function and desired range as well as to turn the instrument. In order to extend the life of the battery of the Multimeter, this switch must be kept in the “OFF” position when the instrument is not in use.
  2. Display or LCD: To display all the readings.
  3. Common Jack: Plug in connector for black (negative) test lead or probe.
  4. VOhmsmA Jack: Plug in connector for red (positive) test lead or probe for all voltage, resistance and current (except 10A) measurements.
  5. 10A Jack: Plug in connector for red (positive) test lead or probe for 10A measurement.

    How to Use Multimeter

    How to Use Multimeter

Packing List of a New Multimeter

  1. Multimeter.
  2. Set of red and black test leads or probes.
  3. Battery.
  4. Thermoelectric couple.
  5. Operator Instruction Manual.

How to Use a Multimeter (Analog and Digital): Instruction

How to check DC Voltage with a multimeter

  1. Connect the red Test Lead to “V Ohms mA Jack” and the black lead to
    DC Current Circuit Symbol

    DC Current Circuit Symbol

    COM” jack.

  2. Set the “Range Switch” to desired DC V position. If the voltage to be measured is not known then set the Switch to the highest range and reduce it until satisfactory reading is obtained.
  3. Connect Test Leads to device or electric circuit being measured.
  4. Turn ON Power of the device, instrument or component being measured. Voltage will appear on the Digital Display of a Digital Multimeter along with voltage polarity.

How to check AC Voltage with a multimeter

  1. Connect the red Test Lead to “V Ohms mA Jack” and the black lead to
    AC Current Circuit Symbol

    AC Current Circuit Symbol

    COM” jack.

  2. Set the “Range Switch” to desired AC V position.
  3. Connect Test Leads to device, electronic component or circuit being measured.
  4. Voltage value will appear on the Digital or Analog Display the Multimeter.

How to Measure Resistance Using a Multimeter

  1. Connect the red probe to “V Ohms mA Jack” and the black probe to
    Resistance Circuit Symbol

    Resistance Circuit Symbol

    COM” jack.

  2. Set the “Range Switch” to desired Ohms position.
  3. If the resistor to be measured is connected to a circuit then TURN OFF POWER and discharge all capacitors before measurement.
  4. Connect probes to circuit being measured.
  5. Read resistance value on display.

How to Measure Diode / Diode Measurement

  1. Connect the red Test Lead to “V Ohms mA Jack” and the black lead to
    Diode Circuit Symbol

    Diode Circuit Symbol

    COM” jack.

  2. Set the “Range Switch” to diode position.
  3. Connect Red Test Leads to Anode of the Diode and Black Test Lead to Cathode.
  4. The forward voltage drop in mV will be displayed in the screen or display. If the diode is reversed, figure “1” will be displayed.

How to Measure Transistor hFE / Diode Measurement

  1. Set the “Range Switch” to hFE position.

    Transistor Circuit Symbol

    Transistor Circuit Symbol

  2. Determine whether the transistor is NPN or PNP type and locate the Emitter, Base and Collector Leads. Insert the leads into the proper holes of the hFE Socket on the Front Panel of the Multimeter.
  3. The Multimeter will display the approximate hFE value at the condition of base current 10 µA and VCD 2.8V.

How to use Multimeter to check Continuity

  1. Connect the red Test Lead to “V Ohms mA Jack” and the black lead to “COM” jack.
  2. Set the “Range Switch” to Buzzer.
  3. Connect test leads to the two points to be tested. If the resistance is lower than 100 Ohm then there will be buzzer sound which means that continuity is OK.

Test Signal Use

  1. Set the “Range Switch” to Signal Symbol.
  2. A test signal appears between “V Ohms mA Jack” and “COM” jacks. The output voltage is approx 5V pp with 50 k ohm impedance.

How to Measure Temperature using a Multimeter

  1. Connect the k-type thermoelectric couple to “V Ohms mA Jack” and “COM” jacks.
  2. Set the “Range Switch” to “Temperature Position”.
  3. The display will read the temperature value in Celsius or Fahrenheit.

How to Measure Room Temperature using a Multimeter

Most Multimeters can easily measure room temperature from 0 to 35 degree Celsius. Just set the “Range Switch” to RT Position and the present room temperature will be displayed.

Warning

  1. To avoid electrical shock, hazard or damage, do not measure voltage exceeding 1000V or 750V above earth ground. Different Multimeters may have different measurement range. Read the instruction manual carefully before operating the Multimeter.
  2. Before using the Multimeter, inspect Test Leads, Connectors and Probes for cracks, breaks or crazes in the insulation.
  3. Before attempting to open the case of the Multimeter, be sure to disconnect test leads or probes from any energized electronic circuit to avoid electrical shock.

How to Take Care of your Multimeter

When you are using a Multimeter, it is your responsibility to its proper care and prevent it from any damage:

Replacing Fuse

Fuse of a Multimeter rarely blow or need replacement. If it happens, it is because of operator error or mistake. If required just replace the old fuse with a new one with proper polarity.

Battery Replacement

If the symbol of battery appears on the display, it indicates that the battery has to be replaced.

Video – How to Use Multimeter

How to Use a Multimeter FAQs

I have already mentioned this above in detail. I repeat again:

To test for continuity, set the multimeter to the continuity mode and touch the probes together. The multimeter will beep if there is continuity, indicating that the circuit is complete. You can then test components in a circuit by touching the probes to each end of the component. If the multimeter beeps, the component has continuity, and if it doesn't beep, the component is faulty.

To measure voltage, set the multimeter to the desired voltage mode and connect the probes to the circuit's appropriate terminals. Ensure that the multimeter is set to the appropriate voltage range and that the probes are connected in parallel with the circuit. The multimeter will display the voltage reading in volts, and you can then use this reading to diagnose any issues in the circuit.

To measure current, set the multimeter to the desired current (AC or DC) mode and connect the probes to the circuit's appropriate terminals. Ensure that the multimeter is set to the appropriate current range and that the probes are connected in series with the circuit. The multimeter will display the current reading in amperes. You can then use this reading to diagnose any issues in the circuit.

To avoid damaging your multimeter:

  1. Always use it within its specified limits.
  2. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or moisture.
  3. Always ensure that the probes are connected to the correct terminals before taking any measurements.
  4. Always disconnect the probes from the circuit before changing the multimeter's settings.
  5. Finally, always store your multimeter in a safe, dry place when not in use.

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Santosh Das

Santosh is an Electronics Geek, Blogger, Young Entrepreneur and Founder of this Mobile Phone Repairing Website. Santosh possesses vast experience in the field of electronics, telecommunication, Soldering, SMT, ESD Safety, Keep visiting for daily dose of Tips and Tutorials.

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39 Responses

  1. Basile ADAMSON says:

    Hello Master!
    Great coaching!
    i am fond of mobile phone repairing
    So how to get started?

  2. Amit kumar says:

    Mobil repering

  3. Md Raisul islam says:

    thanks

  4. Ali alshwerf says:

    thanks
    Iwould like to know whather you already have posted about software problems solution?

  5. fazal min allah says:

    dear sir ‘
    what is the value of mic,charging,speaker,vibrator and ringer interface {volts in digital multi meter} ?????

  6. mudadi fred says:

    thanks for the work done.am mudadi from uganda,i request for your email

  7. Kanor Tetteh Awidi says:

    a very helpful site. God bless you

  8. BrianJ says:

    Good job!

  9. Rakesh reddy says:

    Sir i am from hyderabad, i have small mobile service center, i saw some new mobile tools in u r site these r very cost, u r site is very usefull for me, pls post chip level video clasess, thank u

  10. Murthya says:

    A million thanks to u

  11. KISHORE says:

    Very nice
    Everything explained with clarity
    Very simple to know about mobile
    and repair tools use.

  12. Samuel says:

    Is there no video tutorials on most of these things…

  13. sandip says:

    sir my lg nexus 5 mobile all functions working also backlight but display is coming black how to fix this problem .

  14. JUDEBRENDAN says:

    Please keep the spirit alive. I love this forum

  15. ajantha says:

    Sir how to find jumper ways??

  16. hizeek says:

    Please sir, how do I test the connector/interface of mic, earpiece on board using a digital meter.

  17. lalit says:

    i have samsung s duos7562. its speed is very poor.i haave very little downloded aap and use soft reset several times but speed is poor. how to boost it.

  18. rajesh says:

    sir for water fauld pcb board how to set heat and air ain blower….how much should put heat and air in blower

  19. Naresh Chauhan says:

    Plzz notify me new comments.

  20. suleman says:

    thank you sir for making this site your realy helping to mobile engineers

  21. dilip says:

    dear sir my karboon k9 dead how to solved plz help me

  22. Najib kiggundu says:

    thanks for all your teachings. Am so greatful

  23. iphone repair jb says:

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  24. Efrain says:

    Wonderful blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers?
    I’m hoping to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option?
    There are so many choices out there that I’m totally overwhelmed .. Any suggestions? Thank you!

  25. barbara says:

    wht is RT position???is threr any symbol for it??

    • Rt = the effective resistance of the meter and load in parallel. Most multimeter have this symbol.

  26. Anoop Singh Rathaur says:

    There is no sound,i didn’t got the point…

  27. Jack says:

    no sound

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